Quick links

How Man United hiring Van Gaal would be similar to Benitez at Chelsea

The Old Trafford outfit are hot on the heels of the Dutchman, but does the potential for the coach to get the best from Robin van Persie factor into their thoughts?

Manchester United are being touted as closing in on experienced Dutch coach Louis van Gaal, with the current Netherlands national boss being widely tipped as the man to replace David Moyes at Old Trafford.

Although the former Bayern Munich head coach brings a track record of success and a world of experience with him, there may well be another reason that Van Gaal is the outgoing Premier League champions’ supposed first choice.

With the Dutchman’s close bond with striker Robin van Persie through their experiences at national level, United chiefs will surely be hoping that their potential new coach can get their star forward firing on all cylinders again.

The ex-Arsenal attacker has suffered a season blighted by debilitating injuries and dips in form, with the Manchester club less of an attacking weapon as a result.

If anyone can get the best out of Van Persie surely it will be his compatriot, which would see United as a much more dangerous side in the final third next term.

However, with the link between potential new manager and misfiring star man, it is reminiscent of a ploy by Roman Abramovich not so long ago.

Chelsea appointed former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez as their interim manager last term after the axing of Roberto Di Matteo – with the Spaniard’s previous work with Fernando Torres in mind.

Gareth McKnight

I am a freelance football journalist from Northern Ireland, currently living and working from Broome in Western Australia. After a degree in sports journalism from the University of Stirling in Scotland, I started in the online football world and have worked for leading websites and media outlets since. My knowledge and passion is based around the Premier League and European football, but I also have a soft spot for the Australian A-League.